She was born on April 20, 1934 in Paris, France, the daughter of André and Désirée Roger. She later worked as a secretary for the Mayor of Paris before moving to the United States in 1964 with her husband, Marcel, a talented chef of French cuisine, and her two children, Francis and Laurence. They settled in Brewster, NY and then later moved to Manhattan, where Janine and Marcel opened their first restaurant, La Bonne Bouffe, where she ran the dining room. The New York Times food critic Mimi Sheraton awarded the restaurant two stars and described it as "just the sort of engaging bistro one comes across constantly in Paris, but rarely sees in New York. It is indeed a jewel." In 1977, Marcel and Janine bought a home in Madison, CT so they could spend time away from the city, eventually making Madison their full-time home upon retirement.
Janine adored all animals, taking care of many horses, dogs, cats, and even wild deer, raccoons, birds, and other backyard visitors throughout her life. She also loved taking care of children and amazingly took care of her three great-grandchildren into her 80s. She loved to travel, especially back to France to see her family and dearest of friends, and would take many trips there. She loved the sea, music, flowers, and literature.
Janine had a resolute strength of character that stayed with her until the end even through her illness.
She is survived by her husband, Marcel; their children, Francis Moine and his wife Darrus of Weston, FL, and Laurence Kirby of Guilford, CT; her grandchildren, Christopher Moine and his wife Milena of Pembroke Pines, FL, Laura Smith and her husband Kevin of Guilford, CT; and Nathalie Kirby of Madison, CT; her great-grandchildren, Kevin, Theo, and Esmée; and her dog Aimée.
She is predeceased by her parents, André and Désirée Roger, whom she loved so very dearly.
She was so loved and will be missed immensely.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home in Madison, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marion County Animal Services, 5701 SE 66th Street, Ocala, FL 34480.
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